The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in investigating a series of assaults on cab drivers and their vehicles. Since January 27, 2008, there have been (7) seven reported incidents involving such assaults which have occurred between midnight and 4:30 am.  Detectives, as part of their ongoing investigation, are looking into the possibility that the same individual may be responsible for these offenses which appears to target cabs from Maryland. Those offenses are described as follows:

• JANUARY 27, 2008
  California Street and Phelps Street, NW
  While investigating damage to his cab, a driver was struck by a vehicle which then fled the scene.
• FEBRUARY 3, 2008
  1700 block of 19th Street, NW
  A male suspect damaged a cab before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
• FEBRUARY 9, 2008
  15th and L Streets, NW
  A male suspect damaged a cab before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
• FEBRUARY 9, 2008
  1300 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW
  A male suspect was observed damaging a cab and another was damaged.
• FEBRUARY 9, 2008
  1300 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW
  A male suspect damaged a cab and then reportedly pulled a knife on the operator.
• FEBRUARY 10, 2008
  1100 block of U Street, NW
  A male suspect damaged a cab.
• FEBRUARY 22, 2008
  1800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW
  A male suspect rammed his vehicle into the rear of a cab and then reportedly attempted to run over the victim before fleeing.

The general description in each of these offenses has been of a black male described as being in his 30’s. He may be operating a vehicle described as a White Ford Crown Victoria. At this time, it has not been determined if the suspect vehicle in this case is indeed a taxicab, however the vehicle gives the appearance of that possibility. The suspect vehicle is further described as having the numbers “2057” or “2042” in dark letters on the rear and possibly the name “ROPER” on the side. Due to the aggressive nature of these incidents the suspect in this case should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.